Great games relived by those who featured in them

'I didn't ever want to come out of that zone'

How a man given to shouldering bowlers and mouthing off at them buckled down to play a knock of monk-like discipline

21

March 2009 in Napier is a time in life Gautam Gambhir happily transports himself back to. There is an unmistakable glee in his eyes when he talks about his match-saving 643-minute marathon, for just 137 runs. No man has batted longer in the second innings in 10 years. It is the fifth-longest effort in second innings in all Test cricket. By his own admission an impulsive man, Gambhir looks back at the three days of his most uncharacteristic innings.

Do you think that was the best you played?
I think that's the best I have played because of my concentration, because I had to play out of my skin. Being an impatient guy, even off the field, I would always look to score runs and score them quickly. Sometimes I panic if runs are not coming. So I had to play out of my skin, out of my comfort zone. It was a big achievement for me.

Do you remember exactly how many minutes and balls?
Ten hours and some minutes. Balls I don't remember.

You have played long innings before. You have scored double-centuries. But you score double-centuries in, say, eight hours, sometimes less, here you played 11 hours for just 137. Did you think you could play that kind of innings?
I had it in me. It used to hurt me that people thought I didn't have the technique and the temperament to play Test cricket. Scoring three double-hundreds in first-class cricket, obviously I had something in me.

What was the feeling when you went in to bat the second time, after making 16 in the first innings?
It was very difficult, batting two-and-a-half days to save the Test. I always thought it was a matter of taking it one hour at a time. Taking it one drinks break at a time, and then playing till the next break. If I had thought that I had to bat two-and-a-half days, I would never have been able to do it.

What was the longest innings you had played till then?
Must have batted for one-and-a-half days, that's about it.

Going back: day three, stumps, Viru was out already. What were you thinking in the evening? What did you do that evening?
I remember, I called up a very close friend and told him I had a very strong gut feeling that I was going to bat for two days. It was very instinctive. I was batting on 20-something. I got to the room and just called him up. He said, "It's not going to be easy." I said, "I know, but somehow I am getting the feeling that I will be able to save this Test match." Then it just happened.

The score moved slowly. In a normal innings you have milestones - say, 25 runs, 50 runs - where you switch off and come back on. What was it here? Runs couldn't have been, because you were scoring 12 runs an hour.
If I had said I had to bat through two-and-a-half days, it wouldn't be possible. As I said, I broke it down to drinks breaks and then session breaks. At one point I was taking it five overs at a time. Five overs, then five overs, then drinks would come. So I had to break it up into very, very small goals. That's how it worked.

During the long partnerships with Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, did you talk much?
There was a time when I was batting with Sachin when I scored one run in about an hour. I got stuck for one-and-a-half hours. I wasn't even in the zone of scoring runs. I wasn't looking to score runs. I don't know why. So I told Sachin, "First of all, I have got stuck. For one hour I haven't scored a run. On top of that, I am not even looking to score runs. It's a completely new place for me to be in." He said, "Sometimes what you are doing for the team is much more important than your personal goals. I think this innings will take you to another level. Don't think about your individual score, just think about the team. Maybe this innings will be the best you have played for India, and this could be the best anybody can play." That helped me concentrate harder and keep myself in the zone. Otherwise I was on the verge of losing concentration and trying to break the shackles.

When you were playing like that, do you realise that you have not scored many runs and if I you were to get out in three hours you would have scored only 40, and the team would not be in a much better position?
But we were looking to save the Test, not win it. If we were looking to win it would have been a crime.

"I remember I called up a very close friend and told him I had a very strong gut feeling that I was going to bat for two days. It was very instinctive. I was batting on 20-something then"

But still, if you are scoring faster you know you have at least erased the deficit. This way, you are taking a big risk, so to speak
We were so much behind that it was immaterial. And time was equally important. Reducing the deficit was important, but I decided time was more important.

Before lunch on the fourth day, you stepped out and hit Daniel Vettori over the infield twice in one over. Was that a release of tension? Because they had bowled a couple good overs leading up to that.
I got to 50 by stepping out and hitting Vettori. I also remember I stepped out and hit him over midwicket when I was on 98. I was getting nervous, and that milestone was distracting me from the main goal. So I wanted to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

When you start out on such an innings, you say, "Okay, let's see. Then you have played five or six hours and you think, "Wow, it's possible." Does that mean more pressure?
Exactly. I thought, "Okay, let's see." After four or five hours, you think, "Look I am set, I can do it, I have done half of it." You get more nervous because it's a possibility, but with me, it made me more determined.

They must have tried to lure you. Attacking fields. Flighted deliveries.
There were times with five fielders around me. There was a lot of temptation, but I was playing completely out of my skin.

Did they try to sledge you?
No they didn't. New Zealand is one team who never sledge.

Did you feel physically tired? Did that affect you at any time?
After I got out, I was physically exhausted. When I was playing, I didn't feel a thing. I was so much into it.

Anxiety in the 90s?
Oh, in the 90s I am usually very anxious. I just wanted to cross that milestone. And also stumps was approaching. I needed to just get it out of the way.

What did Sachin tell you after you reached your hundred?
The best moment was when he hugged me. It is the best moment of my career.

How did you spend the fourth evening?
I was so exhausted after the end of the day's play, I went back, ate and slept. The only thing was the next day.

Could you get sleep?
What happens is, when you are very tired you don't sleep well. I managed to sleep, but I got up very early. The only thought was how I had to bat the whole day.

Did you follow any routines?
I was listening to one song, and just kept listening to it on loop.

Throwdowns, nets?
I don't do throwdowns. Just hit a couple of balls. If I am middling them, it's fine.

Fifth morning. Did something inside you say, "Okay it's easy to hit a quick 50, we are almost there"?
Never. The only thought was that I had to bat as long as I could.

What was your favourite phase of the innings?
I remember I was in that zone. I was batting with Laxman and I didn't utter a word. I never wanted to come out of that zone. I was so much into that concentration. It was so high when Sachin got out on the fifth day and when Laxman batted with me, for one and a half hours I didn't say anything. He said, "Why aren't you speaking?" I said, "I am in that zone, I am fully concentrating on the ball. I don't want to come out."

Was that the best you have felt on a cricket field?
Absolutely. There was only one thing in my mind and that was the ball.

Viru called you the best opener since Gavaskar.
Had anyone else said that I wouldn't have taken it seriously. But coming from him... he must have seen something. It matters. It made me happy.

What was the first thing you did after getting out?
I didn't take off my pads for 45 minutes. I don't know, I was so much into it I just couldn't take off my pads. And after I took the pads off, I was absolutely gone.

How did you celebrate that day?
I was very happy. Laxman came up to me and told me it was the best Test innings he had ever seen. Coming from these greats it makes you very happy.

How do you look back at those three days?
If someone asks me whether I can do that again in my life, it's an absolute no. It just happens. That zone just happens. Anybody would say no.

That was one of the best test innings I have ever seen.Some people may disagree considering the nature of the pitch.But have a close look at this,how many times have we seen batsmen slog it out for two and a half days on a flat pitch to SAVE a test match?VVS,the unsung hero of Indian cricket,was as always,again there.Good test of mettle and character,this is the reason why test cricket is a treat to watch(except on very bad-read very batsman friendly-pitches)

bonaku
on March 30, 2010, 14:03 GMT

Is he the indian version of justin langer... need to wait and see..

Pathiyal
on March 30, 2010, 13:44 GMT

Many cricket lovers i came across never used to like gautam initially in his career. His attitude, his weaknesses etc were the reasons. But now we all know that he is one of the rare cricketers who works very hard on his weaknesses and illustrates the fact that he has left behind those weaknesses with every innings he play. You may notice he is growing up with each innings.

on March 29, 2010, 14:33 GMT

gambhir was really gambhir in that zone...
concentration wise..i think he's the next dravid of indian cricket...

Min_9
on March 29, 2010, 7:47 GMT

I was fortunate to witness this innings at Napier having travelled all the way from London. The only time India were ever on top was the first half hour or so... after that all one way. Fantastic innings from a gutsy player who showed immense concentration and value for his wicket.

on March 29, 2010, 2:00 GMT

he is a fantastic player :) hope to see many more such innigns from him :)

Hiteshdevilliers
on March 28, 2010, 17:43 GMT

This is the beauty of Test match cricket. Reading this interview was so fascinating, because in some ways I too can relate to that "zone feeling" that gautam describes. When playing league cricket or just simple underarm cricket with friends, there just certain periods when one (like me) enters this special frame of mind where the only intent is to hit the ball. This is why we NEED to preserve test cricket. As exhilirating as 20/20 cricket is to some people, such emotions as described in this interview can only be experienced and relived with such fantasy in the ultimate form of the game. There are just somethings limited overs cricket can never match up to.

Sidhanta-Patnaik
on March 28, 2010, 11:52 GMT

This is the beauty of the game.

himbin
on March 28, 2010, 10:06 GMT

the best from gambhir uptil now , he hav 2 continue 4 another 5 to 6yrs to be compared with sunil gavasker

pappusudhafantasy
on March 28, 2010, 9:47 GMT

Gambhir! You beauty. This onversation is similar to what Viru speaks, and no surprise that it comes from the marauder's protege. Like minded people make a great pair and these two have the best understanding among all of the Indian players I have watched in 17 years of my cricketing knowledge. This pair is followed by Azhar-kumble. Look at the achieivements of the pairs together. Gauti is the next Sachin of Indian batting. No need to worry about the retirement of the greatest run machine.

LeaderARH
on March 30, 2010, 15:27 GMT

That was one of the best test innings I have ever seen.Some people may disagree considering the nature of the pitch.But have a close look at this,how many times have we seen batsmen slog it out for two and a half days on a flat pitch to SAVE a test match?VVS,the unsung hero of Indian cricket,was as always,again there.Good test of mettle and character,this is the reason why test cricket is a treat to watch(except on very bad-read very batsman friendly-pitches)

bonaku
on March 30, 2010, 14:03 GMT

Is he the indian version of justin langer... need to wait and see..

Pathiyal
on March 30, 2010, 13:44 GMT

Many cricket lovers i came across never used to like gautam initially in his career. His attitude, his weaknesses etc were the reasons. But now we all know that he is one of the rare cricketers who works very hard on his weaknesses and illustrates the fact that he has left behind those weaknesses with every innings he play. You may notice he is growing up with each innings.

on March 29, 2010, 14:33 GMT

gambhir was really gambhir in that zone...
concentration wise..i think he's the next dravid of indian cricket...

Min_9
on March 29, 2010, 7:47 GMT

I was fortunate to witness this innings at Napier having travelled all the way from London. The only time India were ever on top was the first half hour or so... after that all one way. Fantastic innings from a gutsy player who showed immense concentration and value for his wicket.

on March 29, 2010, 2:00 GMT

he is a fantastic player :) hope to see many more such innigns from him :)

Hiteshdevilliers
on March 28, 2010, 17:43 GMT

This is the beauty of Test match cricket. Reading this interview was so fascinating, because in some ways I too can relate to that "zone feeling" that gautam describes. When playing league cricket or just simple underarm cricket with friends, there just certain periods when one (like me) enters this special frame of mind where the only intent is to hit the ball. This is why we NEED to preserve test cricket. As exhilirating as 20/20 cricket is to some people, such emotions as described in this interview can only be experienced and relived with such fantasy in the ultimate form of the game. There are just somethings limited overs cricket can never match up to.

Sidhanta-Patnaik
on March 28, 2010, 11:52 GMT

This is the beauty of the game.

himbin
on March 28, 2010, 10:06 GMT

the best from gambhir uptil now , he hav 2 continue 4 another 5 to 6yrs to be compared with sunil gavasker

pappusudhafantasy
on March 28, 2010, 9:47 GMT

Gambhir! You beauty. This onversation is similar to what Viru speaks, and no surprise that it comes from the marauder's protege. Like minded people make a great pair and these two have the best understanding among all of the Indian players I have watched in 17 years of my cricketing knowledge. This pair is followed by Azhar-kumble. Look at the achieivements of the pairs together. Gauti is the next Sachin of Indian batting. No need to worry about the retirement of the greatest run machine.

on March 28, 2010, 8:21 GMT

It is really amazing how Gautam Gambhir has transformed himself into such a formidable player in the Indian batting line-up. We had always seen that in him since he made his Test debut in 2004, and he has surpassed all expectations.

long_handle9
on March 28, 2010, 7:38 GMT

OK granted it was a fantastic innings. But why oh why do you people at CricIndiafo publish 3-4 interviews by the same player? such as Sehwag, Gambhir etc

Aboman
on March 28, 2010, 7:34 GMT

I'm sorry but the pitch was a road, the bowling attack weak, and the boundaries small. I question the judgment, and partiality of those who could possibly call this one the greatest innings ever.

NAP73
on March 28, 2010, 7:34 GMT

Gambir & Sehwag can be as successful and important to their team's continued success at the top as Hayden and Langer and before them Greenidge and Haynes were. The opening partnership is critical to setting the platform, tone and team direction. It is no surprise India are number 1 while they have this pair in the team. It may help make the future transition of the middle order easier to manage as well. India can also place more resources on ensuring consistent bowling overseas now as well. As an aside, this innings shows why tests are still important and interesting, so hopefully the growing T20 success and associated scheduling will not adversely impact on fitness and motivation for the tough environment of test cricket:)

fifth-umpire
on March 28, 2010, 7:02 GMT

Gautam may think that he would not be able to play a similar innings again. But I am sure he will contribute much more to Indian cricket in many ways. All the best to Gautam and Indian cricket team. http://fifth-umpire.blogspot.com/

on March 28, 2010, 6:29 GMT

i was lucky enough to be there in Napier and witness this intense innings, it took my breath away to watch Gambhir bat in what we all know is not his batting stlye. one of the greatest tests innings ever..it gave me much pleasure been a devoted indian cricket fan. jai hind.

AmarjitCricketFan
on March 28, 2010, 4:52 GMT

I was amazed at his concentration. My coach always tells me the best batsman always play for themselves and that is why they are the best. But this is a prime example how you can play for your team and get more pride. This innings with doubt was his best till now.

Nemo2011
on March 28, 2010, 4:42 GMT

I remember watching all 643 mins of that infront of TV....I felt Gautam could do it just as he felt on the 3rd day. This Innings brought 'more than the best' out of Gautam...and it showed that one actually can do more than his capabality in any aspect of life by fighting it out with guts and determination. This Innings made me feel pround and inspire as well. I am sure if the situation demands......you can do it again......

Quad_UV
on March 28, 2010, 4:29 GMT

Gambhir u r great man....All the best and may God give u the best of fitness and u r mind blowing dude,ur consistency awesome dude...

All the best......!!!!!!

kirikettu
on March 28, 2010, 3:50 GMT

Gambhir and Sehwag are the best opening pair in the world. The fact that Sehwag opening with Gambhir has immensely helped Gambhir realise his true potential. For India to continue to hold on to their number 1 test ranking for long periods of time, he will be have to continue playing many more innings of this calibre, esp. away in the future. Like Sehwag, he gonna be the new wall.
Keep up the excellent work Gambhir. As Indians, we are very proud of you.

on March 28, 2010, 3:35 GMT

an awesome innings indeed tht was by a splendid player :)

No featured comments at the moment.

on March 28, 2010, 3:35 GMT

an awesome innings indeed tht was by a splendid player :)

kirikettu
on March 28, 2010, 3:50 GMT

Gambhir and Sehwag are the best opening pair in the world. The fact that Sehwag opening with Gambhir has immensely helped Gambhir realise his true potential. For India to continue to hold on to their number 1 test ranking for long periods of time, he will be have to continue playing many more innings of this calibre, esp. away in the future. Like Sehwag, he gonna be the new wall.
Keep up the excellent work Gambhir. As Indians, we are very proud of you.

Quad_UV
on March 28, 2010, 4:29 GMT

Gambhir u r great man....All the best and may God give u the best of fitness and u r mind blowing dude,ur consistency awesome dude...

All the best......!!!!!!

Nemo2011
on March 28, 2010, 4:42 GMT

I remember watching all 643 mins of that infront of TV....I felt Gautam could do it just as he felt on the 3rd day. This Innings brought 'more than the best' out of Gautam...and it showed that one actually can do more than his capabality in any aspect of life by fighting it out with guts and determination. This Innings made me feel pround and inspire as well. I am sure if the situation demands......you can do it again......

AmarjitCricketFan
on March 28, 2010, 4:52 GMT

I was amazed at his concentration. My coach always tells me the best batsman always play for themselves and that is why they are the best. But this is a prime example how you can play for your team and get more pride. This innings with doubt was his best till now.

on March 28, 2010, 6:29 GMT

i was lucky enough to be there in Napier and witness this intense innings, it took my breath away to watch Gambhir bat in what we all know is not his batting stlye. one of the greatest tests innings ever..it gave me much pleasure been a devoted indian cricket fan. jai hind.

fifth-umpire
on March 28, 2010, 7:02 GMT

Gautam may think that he would not be able to play a similar innings again. But I am sure he will contribute much more to Indian cricket in many ways. All the best to Gautam and Indian cricket team. http://fifth-umpire.blogspot.com/

NAP73
on March 28, 2010, 7:34 GMT

Gambir & Sehwag can be as successful and important to their team's continued success at the top as Hayden and Langer and before them Greenidge and Haynes were. The opening partnership is critical to setting the platform, tone and team direction. It is no surprise India are number 1 while they have this pair in the team. It may help make the future transition of the middle order easier to manage as well. India can also place more resources on ensuring consistent bowling overseas now as well. As an aside, this innings shows why tests are still important and interesting, so hopefully the growing T20 success and associated scheduling will not adversely impact on fitness and motivation for the tough environment of test cricket:)

Aboman
on March 28, 2010, 7:34 GMT

I'm sorry but the pitch was a road, the bowling attack weak, and the boundaries small. I question the judgment, and partiality of those who could possibly call this one the greatest innings ever.

long_handle9
on March 28, 2010, 7:38 GMT

OK granted it was a fantastic innings. But why oh why do you people at CricIndiafo publish 3-4 interviews by the same player? such as Sehwag, Gambhir etc